Apparatus for generating electricity.



No. sss,a|o. Patented Jan. 8, I90l. J. STRETCH.

APPARATUS FOR GENERATING ELECTRICITY.

(Application filed Kay 21, 1900.) (No Model.) 2 Shuts-Sheet l.

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No. 665,8"). Patanted Ian. 8, I90I.

J. STRETCH.

APPARATUS FOR GENERATING ELECTRICITY.

(Application fled my 91, 1900.) (lo Iodol.) {Sheets-Sheet 2.

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UNITED STATES PATENT FFICE.

JOSEPH STRETCH, OF EAST ORANGE, NEW JERSEY.

APPARATUS FOR GENERATING ELECTRlQlTY.

SPECIFICATION formingpart of Letters Patent No. 665,810, dated January 8, 1901.

Serial No. 17,389. (No model.)

To all whom, it may concern:

Be it known thatl, JOSEPH STRETCH, a citizen of the United States, residing at East Orange, in the county of Essex and State of New Jersey, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Apparatus for Generating Electricity, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to new and useful apparatus for generating electricity; and its primary object is to provide a device of this character adapted to be normally operated by wind-power.

To these ends the invention consists of a circulartrack upon which is mounted a platform provided with sails, whereby the same may be driven continuously. Suitable generators are secured to the platform and move therewith, receiving motion from the revolving wheels of the moving platform.

The invention also consists in the further novel construction and combination of parts hereinafter more fully described and claimed, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, showing the preferred form of my in vention, and in which- Figure 1 is a plan view of the apparatus with a portion of the platform broken away. Fig. 2 is an enlarged section through the platform, showing a generator in position. Fig. 3 is a side elevation of a portion of the device. Fig. 4 is a section therethrough, showing the generator in elevation, and Fig. 5 is a 'sec- .tion showing a passage or tunnel whereby access may be obtained to the interior of the circle.

Referring to said figures by numerals of reference, 1 is a track of ordinary construction, preferably in the form of a circle, and upon which is mounted a circular platform 2, bearing upon suitable wheels, as 3, which travel upon the track. This platform is of any suitable material and is provided at desired intervals with generators 4 of any preferred construction, which receive motion from a large pulley 5, mounted upon a shaft 6, to which is secured a small pulley 7, connected by means of a belt 8 to a wheel 9, mounted upon the axle of the traction-wheels 3. Each of these generators may be provided with suitable sheds or coverings 10, which can be of sufficient size to contain one or more employees. The platform is also provided with masts 11, to which are secured main and jib sails 12 and 13, respectively.

In orderto prevent the tiltingof the device when the sails are under heavy pressure, cross-strips 14 are provided upon the platform adjacent to each mast, said strips having wheels 15 at theirouter ends which bear upon concentric circular rails 16, placed at opposite sides of the track, as shown. A fence 1? is preferably constructed at opposite sides of the track, serving to prevent the access of animals, &c., thereto. The platform preferably overhangs the upperedges of the fences, as shown.

Motors 18 of suitable construction are ar ranged upon the platform at suitable intervals for the purpose hereinafter more fully described. When it is desired to generate electricity, the sails 12 and 13 are hoisted and the wind will force the same, together with the platform 2, in a circular direction upon the track 1. Said sails may be so constructed as to olfer the minimum amount of resistance to the wind when returningthereagainst; but the same can be manipulated manually if the track 1 is of sufficient length. In the event of a calm or when for any other reason it is impossible to propel the platform by wind-power, the motors 18 are brought into service and will drive the same until the sails can be again utilized. By this arrangement it will be seen that but a small quantity of fuel will be consumed in operating the apparatus, thereby cheapening the production of the electricity, as is obvious. It will be readily seen that as the platform travels upon the track 1 motion will be imparted from the wheels 3 to wheel 9 and pulleys 7 and 5 and thence to the generator 4.

in the foregoing description I have shown the preferred form of my invention; but I do not limit myself thereto, as I am aware that modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit or sacrificing the advantages thereof, and 1 therefore reservethe right to make such changes as fairly fall within the scope of my invention.

The fences are provided with suitable doors and windows, whereby access may be had to the space therebetween, and suitable walks, as 19, are constructed parallel to the track 1.

At a point under the track a tunnel 20 is provided, whereby access maybe had to the interior of the circle inclosed by the track 1. This tunnel is reached by means of stairs 21, which extend down from each walk 19, and a stair 22, which is provided at the inner end of the tunnel.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. The combination with an endless track, of an endless platform mounted thereon, means for propelling the platform, and generators mounted upon said platform and adapted to receive motion from the moving wheels thereof.

2. The combination with an endless track,

of a platform having wheels mounted thereto receive motion from said wheels, and sails secured to the platform.

4. The combination with an endless track, of a continuous platform, having wheels mounted thereon, a generator adapted to receive motion from said wheels, sails upon the platform, rails parallel to the track and braces secured to the platform and bearing upon the rails.

5. The combination with an endless track, of a continuous platform having" wheels mounted thereon, a fence or guard parallel to said track and beneath the platform, a generatoradapted to receive m otion from said wheels, rails parallel to the track, masts upon the platform, braces secured to the masts, wheels within the braces bearing upon the rails, and sails secured to the masts.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

JOSEPH STRETCH. lVitnesses:

CHARLES H. BEET, WILLIAM. KEATING. 

